Marlow’s Tavern, the Woodall and Sterling Culinary Management executive chef, CEO and co-founder John C. Metz is pleased to announce that its 25th Annual Golf Classic has raised $88,500 for Special Olympics Georgia.

"Our annual Golf Classic benefitting Special Olympics Georgia is the highlight of our fundraising efforts, and we are honored to see how these contributions benefit and empower athletes and their families,” says Metz. “We are extremely grateful to our supporters and participants who join forces each year to raise money for this amazing organization.”

This year’s golf tournament took place on Oct. 12 at Heritage Golf Links in Tucker, Georgia, with participants enjoying breakfast, lunch and a challenging round of golf that culminated in an awards reception featuring live music and a silent auction where all money raised will directly benefit Special Olympics Georgia athletes. Since the inception of its partnership with SOGA in 1999, the restaurant group has raised more than $1.7 million to help fund athletic competitions and provide life-changing experiences to the more than 17,429 athletes, their families and the community.

“Sterling Hospitality’s fundraising initiatives enable us to plan and support our athletic events for the next 12 months,” says Georgia Milton-Sheats, CEO of Special Olympics Georgia. “We are always in awe of the energy and excitement that the participants bring each year to champion our athletes and their families.”

Most delegate athletes participate in multiple sports so the funds allow them to travel to multiple places, stay for the weekend when they compete and socialize with their teammates and friends they have made over time.